Does over-tourism drive you insane? It drives me crazy, if like me you want to get away to enjoy the beaches without queuing for a sun-lounger then get yourselves to the Comporta region of Portugal NOW, before its over-run with every Tom, Dick And Harry from your street!
When people say "we're going to Comporta", they say so in a way which makes the place sound as though it's an island, or a singular location, which is not factually the case. Comporta is a village located on Portugal's west coast, approximately one hours drive from Lisbon. However, when people talk about Comporta they generally mean the Herdade da Comporta which is a section of coastline between the Sado Estuary and the sea, 12,500 hectares which consist of several villages: Pego, Carvalhal, Brejos, Torre, Possanco, Carrasqueira and Comporta.
The Comporta region is so cool, an under the radar hot spot for celebs like Madonna, Christian Louboutin, and Phillipe Starck who all have hideaways here. The area has been compared to Ibiza & St Tropez and everything in between but, TRUST ME, it's nothing like any of those places. Comporta plays second fiddle to none of the above and has a stand alone, unbothered, hip and laid back vibe which the gaudy resorts of Cannes or St Tropez can't touch or be compared to. The beaches of this region are outstanding (suits me sir!), the complete opposite of the often rocky beaches of France and, thanks to strict zoning laws which protect the area’s dunes and nature reserves, true celebs remain hidden away-just as they like it!.
Carvalhal is one of the seven villages that make up Herdade da Comporta, 10 minutes from Comporta, Carvalhal is surrounded by rice paddy fields that change with the the colours of the landscape according to the seasons , its stunning. The beaches of both Carvalhal and Praia do Pego are exquisitely sandy yet wild and pretty. The village of Carvalhal boats one long main street where home decoration shops, antique stores, traditional cafes and restaurants peddle their wares and parade their finest. Hotels in Carvalhal are really varied from traditional to full blown luxury spa hotels and boutique boltholes. My two favourites are Sublime Comporta, the old kid on the bloc and Quinta da Comporta, which is the tenderfoot.
Nestled on a stunning 17 acre estate, surrounded by undulating umbrella pines and cork trees, wild sand dunes, stunning rice fields and over 60km of pristine, white-sand beaches is Sublime Comporta - a magical, unspoiled place yet to be discovered. Here wildlife is abundant, time seems to stand still and one is able to experience all that is genuine and authentic. I just adore the whole natural, earthy decor at the Sublime Comporta, as the kids say "It's a little bit of me!"
Rich in cultural heritage, with a welcoming local population, great foods and wines, Sublime Comporta is a blended combination of tranquility and simplicity- both addictive and inspiring, reminding us of the magic of experiencing more with less.
In keeping with its spirit of continuously innovating, Sublime Comporta decided to open its own beach restaurant. Only 10 min away from Sublime Comporta Country Retreat & Spa, is located on one of Europe's most beautiful coast lines and one of the area’s most stunning beaches - Carvalhal beach.
Sublime Comporta Beach Club features:
Restaurant - A fabulous restaurant with several stunning indoor and outdoor areas. Open for lunch and dinner from 12h30pm to 11h00pm. (last reservation at 9h00pm)
Beach Bar - An outdoor bar.
Beach Area – An area with lounge chairs, shade and a dedicated bar. Open during Beach Season from 9h00am to 7h00pm.
The Menu Open everyday from 12h00pm to 11h00pm (last reservation at 9h00pm), beside the inevitable fabulous grilled local fish, oysters and seafood, the restaurant will offer many International options such as Beef Tartar; Tataki; Guacamole; Spaghetti Vongole; Camarões al Ajillo; as well as an excellent section of grilled meat. These will be complimented by selected international and Portuguese wines. Events
With several distinct indoor and outdoor areas, this flexible space adapts to a variety of events, from private parties to wedding parties and business events.
The space has a capacity of up to 350 people standing or 250 seated. It includes a covered indoor space with floor to ceiling windows, a heated terrace facing the ocean, and an adjacent bar with dance area.
The Spa
"At the Sublime Spa we see nature as the foundation of wellness and life."
"We believe that Nature provides us with everything we need to feel and radiate Wellness and Beauty. As we feel responsible for your skin and well-being we are committed to deliver excellence and effectiveness in the purest and most conscious way to you and to our planet."
"It is our aim to deliver beauty, well-being and emotional balance in a personalized and unique way so as to enrich each experience. We use locally sourced ingredients, local rice and sea salt, freshly harvested whole plants, sustainably cultivated and grown in our Organic Garden, certified organic pure essential and vegetable oils and we have chosen one of the most efficient organic and sustainable cosmetic brands in the world - Amala Organic Skincare."
All Amala Organic Skincare products are of 100% natural origin. Amala are beauty industry experts with over a decade of experience serving the most exclusive luxury spas in the world. They combine this expertise with the latest natural biotechnology to elevate clean skincare.
Sublime Comporta - Villa Rooms
Sublime Comporta-Villa Pool
Sublime Comporta - Villa Bedroom
Holiday home rental in Comporta
We have access to a number of wonderful family villas in Comporta. The 4 bedroom Villa Comporta sleeps 10 people and is one of my favourites, check it out;
Surrounded by 12 hectares of pine forest, Comporta Villa is a modern and luxurious place to stay, just 10 minutes’ drive from the beaches at Pego and Carvalhal. This somewhat undiscovered stretch of coast to the south of Lisbon has plenty to see and do, and Comporta Villa makes the perfect base with its elegant pool and terrace in a wonderfully secluded setting. This villa features four beautifully-appointed en-suite bedrooms. Each bedroom opens out onto its own outdoor seating area, and the master bedroom has access to a larger private terrace with panoramic views of the countryside – also visible from its impressive marble bathroom with bath tub and two showers. This suite on the first floor is extremely spacious and has a dressing area with fitted wardrobes as well as a minibar.
The addition of a self-contained apartment is ideal for those seeking out a little independence during their stay. Equipped with a kitchenette in the living area, a double bedroom and bathroom, the apartment is ideal for teenagers needing some space, or older relatives wanting a bit of peace and quiet - whilst not being too far from the main house! The style is kept clean and minimalist throughout the villa, allowing you to really enjoy the space. Light floods into the house via the floor-to-ceiling windows, while indoor olive trees provide an unusual touch which only adds to the feeling of freshness. The main living area of the villa is comprised of a dining room and sitting room with fireplace, and an open-plan kitchen with service bar. The living area opens onto terraces on three sides. There’s an outdoor dining area too, and a second lounge with another fireplace, so no shortage of places to chill out.
Villa Comporta - Bathroom Outlook
Villa Comporta - Dining Room
Comporta Food Scene
The area boasts a select number of authentic and unpretentious beachfront, restaurants which are wonderful for casual lunches. Think bleached wood and barefoot dining on local sea bass served with lemon, garlic and herb butter or inky squid rice paired with a cold crisp local Antão Vaz wine. After sunset take the mood up a notch with a dinner date at Cavalarica in the middle of the town of Comporta. Cavalariça means “stable” and this place is in a former horse stable, with seating hunkered into the original stalls, the atmosphere made all the more authentic by the features created from hay racks and shuttered barn windows.
Activities In Comporta
Surfing Portugal is definitely Europe’s best surfing destination. With a mild climate, the Atlantic Ocean and long wild coast, it's conditions are ideal to ride the waves throughout the year.
Horse Riding
One of the best ways to discover the area and its most isolated and breath-taking sceneries. Ride through the rice fields, over the sand dunes and onto the deserted beaches of Comporta
Keep your eye out for my Alentejo holiday snaps and in the meantime if you are in search of a family holiday to Lisbon and/or Comporta then don't hesitate to get in touch.
Gaynor